Jaipur, May 24 – Ahead of their crucial clash against Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings’ assistant coach Brad Haddin has ruled out any changes in Shreyas Iyer’s batting position, reinforcing the team’s confidence in their core batting unit.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Friday, Haddin addressed speculation following Iyer’s unexpected middle-order appearance in the last match against Rajasthan Royals. He clarified, “That was a situational call. Despite a finger injury, Shreyas showed immense courage by stepping out to bat and fielding actively on the boundary. Going forward, he will return to his usual No. 3 spot. He’s been phenomenal both as a batter and as captain throughout the tournament.”
Confidence in Top Order and Core Performers
Haddin praised the consistency shown by Punjab’s top order, singling out Shashank Singh and Azmatullah Omarzai for their impact performances. “Our top order has been reliable all tournament. Shashank has scored a couple of half-centuries at crucial moments, and Omarzai has played his part well. At this stage, we’re very satisfied with our batting depth,” he said.
Backing Mitchell Owen Despite Quiet Debut
Mitchell Owen, who replaced Lockie Ferguson in the last fixture, didn’t make a significant mark, but Haddin reiterated the team’s faith in the all-rounder. “Mitch is a powerful striker of the ball. He’s starting to adapt to the conditions here and has been engaging closely with Indian players and the coaching staff. We’re confident that he’ll deliver the next time he’s on the field.”
Focus Firmly on End Goals Despite Early Qualification
With Punjab Kings already securing a playoff berth, Haddin emphasized that the team is far from complacent. “From the start, we’ve been clear about the brand of cricket we want to play. Qualifying early doesn’t change our goals. You’ll continue to see that same intent and structure in the upcoming matches.”
Healthy Bench Strength Adds Strategic Edge
Haddin also highlighted the strength of the squad’s bench, which he believes adds a valuable dimension during the business end of the tournament. “We have the luxury of exploring different combinations. The bench players are hungry and ready. The intensity in training has gone up, and that competition is crucial at this stage.”
Punjab Kings will face Delhi Capitals tonight at 7:30 PM IST at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. A win here could further consolidate their momentum heading into the playoffs.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
